338. This canal boat has a surprise inside!

I visit a rather splendid canal narrowboat which has just been bought after sitting in a marina for three years. It's new owner, Matthew, is a specialist and enthusiast in the systems on board.
See the prior video with "Emily Anne" at • 269. Steam narrowboat ...
See the BCN Challenge videos at • 301. 24 hours of canal... and • 302. Racing to the fin...
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Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the KZbin music library
#narrowboat #canal #cruisingthecut #rivers #offgrid #liveaboard

[@stigg333]

What a lovely boat and thank god there are still people like this still around!!

[@Littlehornification]

What a wonderful boat. Matthew is a bit of a legend too. Good to see a young man maintaining the way of steam. Great vid, well done.

[@winstonsmith8441]

My grandfather would have been in heaven on that boat! His father was a steam locomotive engineer, and he was a locomotive fireman for a time in his youth. He used to take me on steam train excursions when I was a kid. I think of him every time I see a steam engine.

[@everestyeti]

Its part of our national heritage, well done for the young man for keeping it alive. 👍

[@misterflibble6601]

I've been fascinated by steam engines since I was a kid. They're like living, breathing creatures that require lots of care and attention! And your rewarded with the sights and sounds of their operation. BTW thanks for posting, your videos are always great!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Thank you so much!

[@kensherwin4544]

Not only sights and sounds but aromas too! Steam engines have a unique smell to them and I love it.

[@Londonechoes]

I love the sound of them too! It reminds me of Old films I used to watch when younger and brings a sense of Nostalgia

[@VictorVictor-hq7ui]

We cruised past Mathew in Gnosall and saw him again at Norbury Wharf. It was fantastic to see and Mathew was such a nice guy!

[@peterbell6425]

Only one word to describe this narrowboat - 'magnificent'. Some of the freighters on the Manchester Ship Canal had tilting funnels back in the day.

[@onedaymoreaboard]

I haven’t watched yet but just admiring you for making this public immediately after the football finished 😂✔️

[@CruisingTheCut]

😂I sat there poised with my hand over the 'publish' button.

[@jimshoe402]

@@CruisingTheCut If u have a Battery for the TV could the engine recharge it ???

[@WimJilf]

@@CruisingTheCutback of the net!!! ⚽️ 🥅

[@IceColdGeico]

@@jimshoe402 Sure it could. You'd need to rig up a generator of some sort, like a car alternator, add a pulley or two....and only be able to charge while in gear, but, yes, it could be done. In this day an age though, a simpler thing would be to use a solar panel, which he has on the roof.

[@genespell4340]

​@@IceColdGeicobut it would be nice during cloudy, rainy and snowy days. And that happens quite often in England.

[@vicmiller7191]

I do love the sound that engine makes as it chugs along. Thanks David for bringing us along.

[@Ra-zor]

Keep that lovely engine running for as long as you can! Poetry in motion.🙂

[@MartinRivers26]

Matthew has rocked up to Tom's Tap and Brewhouse in Crewe in his traction engine (or steam powered car) on more than occasion. I had the pleasure of speaking to him and he is a very interesting bloke.

[@vikeng21]

Too many moving parts here not for the faint hearted. Hats off to the guy to get it working and keeping the boat in running mode. As always amazing to watch.

[@beckytourian]

Thank you for showing us this invaluable piece of history!! And as always, done like the pro you are : )

[@CruisingTheCut]

Much appreciated!

[@catmandoodoo7903]

My late father trained as a steam engineer. He always said that each engine had their own phrase. Tixall’s just happened to be Cold Turkey.

[@Pete_Bucks]

Absolutey magical and thoroughly enjoyable to watch! Back in my own days cruising the cut with our trusty Lister clanking away I often dreamt of having a modern interpretation of a steam powered narrowboat pretty much like this wonderful example. Nice to see someone else shared the same passion for keeping steam alive and on a liveaboard boat!

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nesleinf]

You just know how to find the best stories on the cut 🙂

[@haraldclark6206]

I'm glad to see there are still some narrowboats like this around! With just nine of them around, I think we can manage to burn a little bit of coal for these nine boats!

[@JackNance22]

This episode tixall the boxes, another masterpiece, David. I wish Matthew a long and adventure packed life with that wonderful steam dream machine. You know we want a follow up, of course:)

[@andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

I canal boat with “mood swings”, now that’s a boat to enjoy. Such a delightful video of a most wonderful steam canal boat and engaging owner. Thank you David. 👏👏👍😀

[@simonwalker8300]

That was a lovely episode, thank goodness that steam lovers are still around. A lot of work, but i see why it's worth it. A fine line between nature and mechanics, it's the elemental forces at work.

[@sandyfields9933]

I’m very impressed with the cleanliness of the engine & surrounding area.

[@dingnextstop]

Fantastic…. I love steam in whatever guise… the guy needs a medal for keeping it alive on the canal…👏🏻👏🏻

[@RetroRegan]

I love the "cold turkey" engine. Emily Ann has a disco beat to her engine 😂 Would love to see an update of Tixall after Matthew has been living aboard for a few months. And hopefully turning it into the home it deserves to be.

[@tommarshall1660]

David you have surpassed yourself this time. " Tixall the boxes". In a way the engine noise reminded me of the Royal Navy ship I was on in 1966. Great video as usual. Keep up the good work.

[@kensherwin4544]

Not 'noise'. 'Music'!

[@alanjackson4646]

Which ship were you on ?

[@CaptApril123]

Matthew is fantastic. I could ramble on about steam engines for hours. What a great video!

[@andrewfyakim525]

This is wonderful! Thank you David for posting this. It's an awesome boat, and I love the beautiful steam engine! I'm actually nostalgic for the aroma of burning coal. I was born/raised in and around Pittsburgh, USA. We played in the coal mines and boney dumps as kids. Many homes had coal chutes and coal bins in the basements. (most coal furnaces were later replaced and/or converted to natural gas). I remember always taking a few big lumps of coal on our Boy Scout camping trips. There is no warmer campfire than one with a couple large lumps of coal in the center.... My best to Matthew for his knowledge, and carrying on a great tradition.....

[@CaptApril123]

I grew up in the north of England and we had a coal fireplace until I was around 10 years old. Since I was 5 my job in the morning was to fill the coal bucket and get the fire started. We got an immersion heater when I was around 13 for hot water, before then I'm not sure what we did. Does a coal fireplace provide hot water?

[@paulbennett274]

@@CaptApril123 Yes, if fitted with a 'back boiler', typically made by Baxi who still manufacture gas fired boilers!

[@jw1548]

Videos like this are why I love you, David.

[@quarlow1215]

That is very cool. I've had an interest in steam for many years now. Always wanted to build the steam powered multifueled generator. For times when the power goes out for extended periods of time.

[@fat_tommo_goes_boating]

Lovely David, wonderful to hear your dulcet tones again

[@stevegoodier1241]

Im sure this is the bloke who I had a good chat with the other month at Anderton lift steam festival, really nice guy who is passionate and very knowledgeable about these steam engines... I could have spoke a lot more and hung around with him and his crew if I had chance 😁

[@markattardo]

Any running steam engine being used is so awesome to see. Tixall the boxes indeed!

[@markrichards8946]

Can't get "cold turkey" out of my head, great video as always.

[@IceColdGeico]

Haha! I made it say "I'm spinning, I'm spinning!"

[@lapsedluddite3381]

I heard "be happy, be happy, be happy ..."

[@loddude5706]

@@IceColdGeico A warm & happy Harley Davidson will repeat 'Potato' at idle : )

[@popefang]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqK5lmyLgMuGo6s

[@chrisdaniel1339]

It video was fantastic. I love how quiet this steam narrow boat is compared to a diesel. It is wonderful that people are willing to restore, maintain, and keep history alive when it comes to steam power

[@barrieking5939]

Nice to see you back on the 'cut' David. Many thanks for a slice of nostalgia. Cheers.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

Little is as impressive as a knowledgeable boat owner!

[@jeffmorris739]

I love anything steam, but this was exceptional. Dead simple mechanical engines like this are so rare these days. Thanks David.

[@davidrumbelow]

A most informative, enjoyable video on a cold wet winter afternoon in Fish Hoek, Cape Town. Worst winter weather in years. Your video took me to a far nice mental place. Thank you gentlemen. Am a steam enthusiast.

[@Dominik-yb1yh]

I am from Germany and have just, through this channel, discovered narrowboating and the canal system (which of both i had never head before) looks very relaxed.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Welcome along!

[@FrogmanAnime]

That was a very lovely story. Glad to see that there’s still some of the older boats that are still plying the canal network. And for once, it’s a steamboat that someone’s actually living on. Wishing him all the best. Ben from Australia 🇦🇺

[@floydbertagnolli944]

What a lot of work to make it go!!! It’s nice of him to keep the antique thing running. It shows people a little bit of the past.

[@paulhaynes8045]

Very interesting - and utterly relaxing. Your old, cruising fans will be very happy! Doesn't it make you want to go back on the water...

[@CruisingTheCut]

Absolutely!

[@sidneybowerman558]

@@CruisingTheCut 'We' need to buy you a boat.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Cheers but I'm not in a position to go back on the water at present.

[@paulhaynes8045]

@@CruisingTheCut I appreciate that - I assume there's some sort of family thing happening that's necessitated your return to land (entirely your business, obviously). As I said once before - you need to monetise your channel to the max, then you could have both a house and a narrowboat. Perhaps one day even that lovely canalside house with it's own mooring you showed us once!

[@1Electricman]

Its incredible that, that the engine is still running and functional. Knowing that many power plants around the world still use steam powered by coal. Nice to see the micro version. Very labour intensive. Loads of trees to clean the air. Far better than diesel. 🙂 Great video, thanks. 😀

[@timothybearne147]

I was on the Staffs & Worcs recently and wondered where those steam whistle sounds were coming from that woke me up. Now I know.

[@ChurchOfTheHolyMho]

I saw a mining video, where the nearby mill had a non-working steam engine. Your video was great - showing what the oiling cups were actually used for... and then showing the engine functioning. You've answered a few questions I've had in my head for a few years now - and showed some interesting old tech - along with someone passionate in keeping it running. Nice!

[@xander1052]

I am very glad that traditional steaming is still possible on the canals.

[@RVO3VOM]

Awesome! Bugger anyone who has an issue with this amazing narrowboat. Good on you, Matthew, for keeping this amazing piece of history alive in the 21st century. You have a vision that should be applauded by everyone upon the cut. You are a true inspiration for anyone who has an appreciation for the history of the waterways.

[@seanzealony9499]

100% agree. I bet all the moaners ride steam trains when on holiday near to Heritage railways. He owns steam traction engines also it said. I’ve been to loads of festivals and they are packed with likeminded people who enjoy the sight,sound & smell of steam. I’m off to the Severn Valley Railway later this month and that’ll be packed too. Not sure what the time frame of this vlog is, but he’s very near myself on local canal and would be nice to see this steamer.

[@mungmungie]

09:04 : Are you SURE it isn't saying "Cheese sandwich cheese sandwich" ?? 😆

[@davelawrence6777]

Thanks yet again for such another fascinating post. But then it's what we've come to wxpect from you. Cheers from across the pond

[@carriewoodburry8923]

So cool. Steam power, baby ! I love it.

[@ashleyfearon4121]

Without taking anything away from the beauty, character and historical provenance of this gorgeous narrow boat David, I have enjoyed this particular video immensely. Yet again, the standard of filming, narration and editing is absolutely top quality and makes for utterly compulsive watching. Thank you.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Many thanks indeed!

[@AdeJohnson]

I walk the dog down there most days, amazed I didn't see you!

[@andrewschmidt5312]

Regardless of the always fascinating topics you present, you deserve some sort of award for the creative and descriptive titles of all the video!

[@Fr99763]

Fantastic and cheers to Mathew for maintaining our industrial heritage. He should get a subsidy to get welch coal cheaper

[@v1rotait23]

Wow, a steam powered narrow boat. This "Tixall" the boxes for a guy that also loves steam engines and model steam locomotive engineering! I can smell the engine from here. That whistle sounded delightful, and I bet many boaters look around for the steam train when it sounds! Another superbly done production David. Cheers from another David down in New Zealand. 😄

[@terencejay8845]

I lived close to a Steam Heritage Railway and that whistle brought a smile. At weekends, the village was packed with people from all over taking 20-mile trips up the valley and back. You could tell where it was from the whistle.

[@chrislaunders8283]

I know what he means about rubbish coal, as an ex miner I get a coal allowance and have a solid fuel boiler at home, when we used to get UK coal there was very little ash and the flues wouldn't need cleaning out all winter, with the rubbish we get now from various countries the flues need cleaning about every three weeks, there is probably three times as much ash and it uses about 50% more coal to keep the house warm, and that's with the mild winters we're having.

[@mikeyyoyo6464]

I was shocked when he said a thousand pounds a tonne!! Damn expensive nowadays

[@zapfanzapfan]

What a fantastic boat and lovely preservation of history, I think we can forgive a few shovels of coal in historic steam engines 🚂 And what a gem of a guy, steam boat, steam traction engine... you have found the spiritual successor to Fred Dibnah 🙂

[@mathismuller6033]

It really Tixall the boxes!

[@CaptApril123]

ouch

[@eekee6034]

I'll add my own 'ouch' to the ring, but I have a feeling the pun is the origin of the name. :)

[@dougle03]

Excellent, nice to see the boat in use. Matt seems wonderful, and cute! too 🎈

[@elmorefamily9370]

YES YES YES Thank you David for posting this I so enjoy seeing steam engines on narrowboats........

[@dougwilson4537]

Wonderful video, and I must say, that your closing shot was beautifully composed. The stern of the boat going by, with the gate closing in time with its passing.... and the wildflower hitching a ride on the gate. Absolutely beautiful. The artist within you, coming out, in these little details. 😊

[@CruisingTheCut]

😊

[@ben31tube]

That "Cold Turkey" was an evil thing to do to us! :)

[@CruisingTheCut]

😂

[@terrycoles461]

One of your best episodes to date. The steam narrowboat is absolutely amazing, pure genius. Thanks for finding this glorious boat and thank you to the owner for giving up his time. Enjoy your boating future.

[@CruisingTheCut]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@century2298]

Loved this one. A unique find. Congrats to that young man for keeping it going. He must have a good head on his shoulders to know and understand the many differences in steam engines and how to deal with it's operation.

[@sidneybowerman558]

Top Dead Centre, that's a term I haven't heard, or used in many a year. Another gem of a video David, thankyou.

[@seanzealony9499]

Brilliant to see a Steamer on the Cut. We have the odd Steam train on our local Staffs/Shrops line and loads of people turn out on all the bridges & stations to see these pass through. It’s heritage and superb to see. We all moan about pollution & the environment but what harm can one little steam canal boat do? Embrace the experience of seeing history. I’ll keep an eye for Tixhall as it very local to me from this video.

[@ausnorman8050]

'Cold Turkey' on a T-shirt please with a picture of that engine!

[@Dinki-Di]

What a fabulous episode! Beautiful boat and his dedication is inspiring. I wish him well.

[@455constable]

Forget the smoke - it's our heritage being preserved. Good show young man.😊😊

[@sIightIybored]

For the sake of what steam stuff is left running, there should probably be some kind of prohibition on non-low-smoke coal

[@TheNon-DigArtist]

That video was a real treat, thanks! 👍

[@TerryW696]

Fantastic Video & Story behind how Canal Working & Living used to be. Thank You David. 👍🏻

[@ceismulcastle]

love the whistle

[@Innerspace100]

I really wish someone with means can sponsor him so that he can run that lovely engine on proper smokeless coal, instead of that awfull crud! Both he and his engine deserves it!

[@gary4983]

Bravo, David! A friendly young man obviously taking great joy in using his special knowledge and skill to operate this unique boat! Your thoughtful videos are so enlightening and never disappoint!

[@rutherose23]

Can’t wait until you own and live on a narrow boat again!

[@ozziepilot2899]

Oh fantastic, despite the smoke / pollution it's great to see the olde tech/traditions are kept alive with enthusiasm, these should never be lost, thank you David for sharing. 👏

[@AaronCarterHD13]

yup so the general consensus is "Wonderful" I agree with that. 😀👍 Wonderful.

[@tonysteele9570]

One of your best!

[@jimmisura6533]

If Emily Anne has the same steam engine as Tixall, then why does it sound like “beer in a bottle, beer in a bottle” instead of “Cold Turkey, Cold Turkey”. 🤔😂. I guess that’s part of the magic and different personality’s of steam engines. Who doesn’t love the sound of a steam whistle. Thank you David for these amazing vlogs. Cheers from Florida 🌴🌴🌴👍

[@shirleylynch7529]

Wow. Amazing chap and boat. He obviously has a great passion for steam. He reminds me of Fred Dibnah. A lot of work involved but keeping history alive. Unique and rewarding . Thank you for inviting us to see into Mathew’s life for a day.

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀

[@tweaker1968]

What a beautiful piece of machinery!... Thanks for sharing... Good luck Matthew !

[@charlesjordan8364]

As usual, perfection from David.

[@FosterFarmsOk]

what a great boat. love watching all your videos. Thanks from the US

[@nannag5801]

Ugh now I have 'cold turkey' stuck in my head😂 Great video David! Thank you for sharing! Beautiful boat!!

[@lucindawilson5510]

always something of interest many thanks David

[@EmmaBakesCakes]

I love it. Nothing beats the sound and smell of the good old steam engine. Marvellous

[@user-il6hj8nb2l]

One word........ Heaven............. I once saw a steam boat on the Leeds Liverpool, up past Chorley back some 20 years ago

[@marietjiehildebrandt1324]

Absolutely lovely sound

[@stevewoodard527]

An interesting, delightful & peaceful interlude -- thanks.

[@hectorshouse7348]

What a beauty 👍

[@greentravels2850]

The low-pressure cylinder and condenser notwithstanding, I think Trevithick would be proud of this engine in this canal boat. Really cool video!!

[@Chimera262]

beautiful boat and funny narrationn you both made me smile. I needed some joy

[@steveallen5087]

Absolutely delightful!! Thank you to the crew.

[@maryjnorwood3962]

There’s just something about a steam engine. Thank you, David! ❤️😎❤️😎❤️🥰

[@Loreleifury]

I must take my hat off to you and your video clips. Had it not been for the one about the canal trust and their needs I would have not spotted their tea! I gave up on teas in the USA and for the YORKSHIRE TEA to be sitting there in plain sight, I gave it a try. Thank you! That tea is smooth and not bitter at all. Nothing like the teas here. I am now a two cup of hot tea a day now!!

[@CruisingTheCut]

😀😀😀

[@careyroberts3924]

Great video. Thank you for sharing and much respect to the young man for keeping our heritage alive....

[@howardlockhart3615]

That was interesting, it seemed quite relaxing as it moved along.

[@MrLangDog]

Very interesting!!! A weekend of camp fires probably puts out more smokes than all 9 steam narrow boats all year.

[@dancarter482]

Not to mention the industry involved in getting that "cheap" coal from Eastern Europe!

[@t1n4444]

And we should not forget the billions of BBQs, burning who knows what, that add to our atmospheric pollution. And consider the fat aerosols which are "probably" not a good thing either. For all we know these fat aerosols are carcinogenic into the bargain.

[@SPEEDTER601]

Not to mention all the barbecues.

[@davehollingworth5537]

Really interesting thanks! Hats off to Matthew, long may it continue.

[@barryedwards4481]

Thanks David I thoroughly enjoyed that I could have watched an hour or even more of it making its way along the canal very enjoyable cheers Barry from Victoria Australia 🇦🇺

[@davidcook380]

FANTASTIC Video David

[@CruisingTheCut]

Much appreciated!